Questions for your hospital visit

As part of the antenatal build-up to the delivery of your baby, you may be offered a tour of the hospital. It’s an opportunity well worth taking – and make sure you take your birth partner with you.

Not only will you be able to see first-hand where you are likely to give birth, but you’ll also get the chance to ask questions.

Not sure what to ask? Think about the following:

• Parking procedures, shopping and catering arrangements
• Admissions procedures – who to call, where should you report to
• What to bring, and what you’re not allowed to bring
• What to bring for your newborn baby
• Visiting hours, numbers of visitors allowed
• Are private rooms available? Do you have to pay for them?
• Number of beds per ward
• Are babies kept next to mums?
• How the hospital deals with birth plans
• What is the hospital policy on inductions: when might they decide to induce?
• Number of babies born, intervention and Caesarean rates
• Who will deliver your baby?
• Availability of birthing pools
• Shower/washing facilities
• Types of pain relief available. Can you use natural remedies during labour, can you bring a complementary therapist?
• What type of fetal monitoring do they use?
• What happens to you and your baby after the birth
• What support is available for breastfeeding?
• Ask to see the special-care baby unit. What will happen if your baby needs special care?
• What is the procedure if you need a Caesarean?

Taken from Pregnancy & Birth, The Essential Checklist, DK £8.99. Published November 1, 2009